The Imole Campaign Council has dismissed speculation that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC, following his recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House.
The council, in a statement issued on Friday, August 21, 2026, by the Chairman of its Media and Publicity Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, described the governor’s visit as customary and consistent with Nigeria’s political tradition following an off-cycle election.
According to the council, Adeleke had a responsibility to pay respect to the President and Commander-in-Chief after emerging victorious in the Osun governorship election, particularly given Tinubu’s earlier assurances that security agencies and the electoral umpire would provide an enabling environment for a free and fair election.
“The visit by Osun State Governor, Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday is in line with customs and political tradition at the conclusion of off-cycle elections in Nigeria,” the statement said.
The council further explained that the meeting provided an opportunity for the President and the governor to discuss issues concerning peace, security and the development of Osun State following what it described as a tense election.
It, however, categorically rejected reports suggesting that Adeleke’s meeting with Tinubu was connected to a possible move to the APC.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the visit of Mr Governor and top members of his Campaign team had absolutely nothing to do with a plan to move from Accord to the All Progressives Congress as being insinuated in certain quarters,” the statement added.
The council further stressed that the issue of defection did not arise during the meeting, saying, “We wish to state unequivocally that at no stage during the visit to Mr President was the issue of decamping to the APC discussed.”
The clarification comes amid renewed speculation over Adeleke’s political future following his meeting with Tinubu. Similar speculation had trailed an earlier meeting between the two politicians, although Adeleke had previously dismissed reports of plans to join the APC.
The Imole Campaign Council also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for granting the governor the opportunity to visit, while assuring Adeleke’s supporters that he remained committed to serving the people of Osun State.
